What is boredom of the older person residing in long-term care? The development of a theoretical definition and a conceptual model.

Stevenson, Heather
(2008)
What is boredom of the older person residing in long-term care? The development of a theoretical definition and a conceptual model.
[Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)]
(Unpublished)

Abstract

In an ageing and "chronologically gifted" population (Lewis, 1998 cited in Tavormina 1999), quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities is under scrutiny. Boredom specifically has been identified as an issue for residents. Interventions have been introduced to alleviate boredom and long-term care facilities have also adopted philosophies of care to tackle perceived boredom. The familiar image of passive older residents sitting in chairs for most of the day, may summon up the concept of boredom. Boredom has been insinuated not only from its reporting but also from research that demonstrates a large amount of inactivity in this population.

The purpose of this literature review is to clarify the nature of boredom in this setting, by exploring its definition and identifying its relationship to other factors. The review also highlights the significance of boredom to nursing. Publications were assimilated to identify key themes and gaps in existing the literature base.

A concise definition and model of boredom was not found in the literature search, although boredom has been investigated using different methods based on different conceptual understandings. Therefore it was necessary to develop a more comprehensive definition and show relationships with other factors, which were identified and later divided into individual and environmental categories.

Boredom was found to be associated with a number of different concepts such as inactivity, lack of engagement and mood disturbance. However, the concept of boredom seemed to merit investigation in its own right, as it involves investigating a subjective experience. Further study of boredom in this setting could involve operationalising the theoretical definition proposed, with research showing an awareness of factors related to boredom in this context.